The air was almost foggy after a day of intermittent rain, so the globes of color
from the aerial shells were softened and enlarged, making them even more
spectacular. The deep thud of mortar shells as they were fired signaled
the intended rhythm of the fireworks show, followed up with the fountains of
colored stars and cascades of glowing sparks.

Fully awake, I expected each burst to be the last. Professional
fireworks like these are both expensive and completely illegal in the state of
Massachusetts, two good arguments for brevity.
But the beautiful display went on and on. I watched for half an hour from
my bed before moving out onto the deck for a better view. As I settled outside,
I witnessed the arrival of three police cars with their lights ablaze.

Our bold but slightly foolishenthusiasts didn't stand a chance since the grand finale was in progress just as the police rolled into the lot. They were
literally caught red-handed with a spectacular display of comets and starbursts
filling the sky. I heard muffled but commanding voices over the police
public address loudspeaker and then, as the last trailing stars faded, silence
filled the night once again.

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave?